My Sister's Keeper

by Brenda Chapman

  “What about Cheri? Do you care if she’s safe too?”

  Jimmy rolled his eyes. “You mean the supposed phone calls and threats? She’s just trying to get my attention, as I said before.”

  “She thinks you’re trying to kill her.”

  “Like I said, she’s trying to get my attention. You know what she’s like.”

  An unspoken thought passed between us. Yes, I knew what my sister was like. All our lives, Cheri had wanted what I had and she had found ways to take it. She had to be the centre of attention. Jimmy was living proof.

  “I don’t think that’s what’s going on,” I said. “She honestly fears for her life. She thinks you want to get rid of her.”

  “Do you believe that, Anna? You know me as well as anybody. Do you honestly think I’m capable of killing my wife?”

  “You tell me. What was going on between you and Hannah Jones?”

  “Hannah Jones? Nothing. What makes you ask me about her?”

  “Because I saw her at your house yesterday morning. Maybe that’s why you’d like to get rid of Cheri. Maybe Hannah was going to tell Cheri about your affair, so you got rid of her first. Hannah could make your divorce very messy. Plus, it wouldn’t be the first time you dropped a woman when you’d had enough of her.”

  “Ouch.” Jimmy winced. “Nobody was more surprised than me to see Hannah yesterday. She wanted to meet after I finished work to tell me something. Then she ended up dead on our front lawn. With all the crazy things Cheri’s been up to . . . She might have thought we were having an affair too, and done something about it. I can’t even go there. I have nothing more to say.”

  The waitress set our plates of food in front of us. We stared at each other for a good long time and then dropped our heads to eat. I knew from what I’d just read in Jimmy’s eyes that he was done talking.

  Later when I drove the truck back to Dad’s, I remembered the Jimmy I’d planned to marry. I could tell that he felt something for me still. The eyes never lie. Not for the first time, I wished I’d stayed far, far away from Ottawa. When this was over, I’d be making tracks to Kermit, Texas, as fast as the plane could fly me. I owed myself that.

  No ties. No problems. Nobody to cause me grief ever again.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Monday morning, Cheri pulled herself together. She got up, put on her navy suit and high heels, and got ready for work. She put blush on her cheeks to cover up her pale skin. Some magic cream covered up the dark circles under her eyes. Her jaw jutted out in its old defiant way.

  “If I stay at home much longer, Bob Cahill’s going to give someone else my promotion. I need to spend time with my co-workers. It’s still so hard to believe Hannah is dead.”

  “What about your fear that someone tried to kill you?” I asked.

  She smiled. “Jimmy called me last night. He said that I can see Evan if I’m feeling better and not acting so . . . crazy.”

  “That’s big of him, but he might still be trying to hurt you.”

  “I don’t know. Jimmy didn’t sound as angry with me as he has been. He even said he missed me. Evan keeps asking to come home.”

  “And that’s it? You don’t fear for your life anymore?”

  A shadow of worry passed across Cheri’s eyes. She shook her head as if clearing away bad thoughts. “Maybe I went a little overboard. I’m putting all that behind me.”

  “And what if you weren’t imagining the danger?” Jimmy might be trying a new approach if he’d had a hand in Hannah’s death.

  “The emails started when Jimmy and Evan moved out. Whoever is behind this, if there is anybody, will stop when my family comes home.”

  I stared at her, too stunned to reply. There were only two reasons that I could see behind her change of heart. Either Cheri was choosing to believe what she wanted to believe, or she was the one behind all the nastiness. Both options were disturbing.

  A memory of eight-year-old Cheri flashed across my mind. Our mother had been dead three weeks and Cheri hadn’t cried. In fact, she hadn’t asked what happened to our mother. I was only eleven years old but even I found my little sister’s reaction odd. One day after school, I walked past Cheri’s bedroom. She was talking on the phone to her best friend Emily. Cheri was telling Emily that our mother would be home from the hospital as soon as she felt better.

  Dad took Cheri to the doctor after that. The doctor said that Cheri knew deep down that Mom was gone forever. But she coped by making up a story that allowed her to feel safe. She would accept our mother’s death when she was ready.

  Cheri’s biggest fear had always been that people would desert her. She feared that the people she loved would leave her even more than she feared that her husband could try to kill her.

  *********

  For the next two weeks, Cheri left for work each morning by nine and returned for supper at seven. I fell into the role of shopper and chef. I listened carefully over plates of pasta, chicken casseroles, and grilled steak as she told me the details of her day. I listened for lies and watched for signs of craziness. I thought about booking that plane back to Kermit.

  And yet, something didn’t sit right. I knew my sister. Her panic had been real. Sometimes, I could still hear the fear just beneath the surface of her words. I couldn’t leave her alone just yet. The case didn’t feel closed.

  I spent my days researching everyone in Cheri’s life, including her co-workers and neighbours. I found out some interesting information, but nothing that screamed killer.

  Cheri’s boss Bob Cahill was married with four daughters—two in university and two in high school. His wife’s parents owned real estate. Someday, she was going to inherit a fortune.

  Bob hired Janet Chan as his legal assistant a year ago. Twice a week, they spent their lunch hour at the Blue Rock Motel. I tailed them four times and waited outside. Whatever they were up to lasted forty-five minutes. Bob always left ten minutes before Janet.

  Roger Little, the other young lawyer, grew up in Montreal and studied law at McGill. He wasn’t married and spent his free time playing squash and training for Iron Man competitions. He and Hannah Jones had dated off and on. They met in law school. They didn’t appear to be a couple when she died.

  Betty Zimmer, the sixty-five-year-old office manager, lived with her son in the south end. She was divorced and just scraping by. She spent her free time at bingo and church.

  None of Cheri’s co-workers had a criminal record. And they all seemed crushed by Hannah’s death.

  *********

  Dad dropped by to see me two Thursdays later. I made coffee and we sat on lawn chairs in Cheri’s backyard. August was nearing an end. I’d been in Ottawa almost four weeks now and was getting restless. Mornings were chilly and the afternoon heat had ended. Still, it was comfortable drinking our coffee in the sun on the deck.

  “How’s Cheri?” Dad asked. “Has she got her head screwed on straight again?”

  “Hard to say. She’s working long hours and comes home too tired to do anything. I’ve become her cook and cleaner.”

  “She has a way of turning events in her favour. Sometimes I think I was too easy on her after your mother died.”

  “Yeah. Well, since I’ve been here, she hasn’t gotten any late night phone calls. No threats of any sort. Jimmy thinks she made it all up. What do you think, Dad?”

  “Hard to know. Seems a bit over the top, even for Cheri.” He studied the string of pine trees at the back of the yard. “Although she was mighty worked up when Jimmy left.”

  “Cheri and Jimmy have been talking a lot lately. They talked last night about having dinner as a family on Sunday. Cheri says Jimmy wants to try again.” I looked at my father. “I’ll be leaving soon. I’ve got an open-ended plane ticket back to Kermit.” Dad nodded. “Thought as much.” He turned and looked at me sideways from under the brim of his ball cap. “You know you could stay with me if you want.”

  “Thanks, but when I move out of Cheri’s, I’ll be on my way south.” I
paused. “What would you think about Cheri telling people I’ve left town? I could lay low for a few days at her place. If somebody is waiting for a chance to torment her, they might think the coast is clear.”

  “If there is anyone.”

  “And if not, we’ve nothing to lose.”

  Dad turned his head away from me and thought it over. “I guess there’s no harm in it if Cheri agrees. We could put this all to rest before you head off again. Either the nut will come out of the woodwork, or Cheri has given up acting like someone’s out to get her. With a chance of Jimmy and Evan returning, she’s getting what she wanted. My money’s that she returns to normal.”

  “You’re probably right. Although Cheri and normal aren’t two words I’d use together as a rule.”

  Dad smiled. Then his face turned serious. “You’re sure Cheri’s front bumper was free of damage?”

  “Not even a scratch. It was replaced after her accident with the tree. Any damage would have been easy to spot. She didn’t hit Hannah Jones with her car. There’d be evidence.”

  Dad sighed. “I’ll be really happy when all this is over.”

  “You and me both, Dad.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Jimmy was in his office at the police station when I dropped by. He looked good in his dark blue uniform. Too good. He was working at his computer. He looked up when I knocked. His face broke into a smile.

  “I can’t stay,” I said. “I’m just heading out of town.”

  “You stayed longer than I thought you would. Where are you going now?”

  “Back to Texas. I like the heat in the winter. Plus I have a good job waiting for me.”

  “Cheri told me you’re working in a bar.” He grinned.

  “Not just any bar. This one serves dudes.” I waved my hand toward the door. “My plane leaves in a few hours but I wanted to say goodbye.” Lying to Jimmy felt good.

  Jimmy stood. He made like he was going to hug me. I turned and rushed out of his office as if I hadn’t noticed.

  *********

  My next stop was Cheri’s office. A plump man with white hair was working the security desk. I stopped in front of him.

  “Is Jada Price on a day off?” I asked.

  “Jada’s quit. She handed in her notice last week. You want me to tell her anything from you?”

  “Just tell her Anna Sweet said best of luck and goodbye. I’m heading back to Texas.”

  The guard looked at me over the top of his glasses. “Anna Sweet you said? Jada asked me to give you her card if you came by. She wants you to call her.”

  I took the card and tucked it into my pocket. “Thanks. I’m not sure I’ll have time this trip. Maybe next time I come back.”

  *********

  Betty Zimmer was packing up a box of files when I walked into the main office. “We’re moving to a bigger office next week,” she said. “Three new lawyers are starting and we’re so busy. You can go right in. Cheri’s in her office.”

  “I’ve just dropped by to leave Cheri her house key. I’m heading home to Texas in a few hours.”

  “Texas? How lovely. I have a sister who lives in Miami. I plan to move there when I retire next year.”

  “You won’t miss the snow.”

  “I should say not.”

  Cheri came out of her office. “So, you’re on your way?” she called as she walked toward me.

  “Yes, my plane leaves in two hours. I just wanted to return your house key. Thanks for putting me up the last few weeks.” I spoke loudly. The offices were close together and I had no doubt everyone could hear me. I could see Roger Little and Janet Chan working at their desks. Bob Cahill’s office door was partly open.

  Cheri hugged me. “I’m going to miss you.”

  “You’ll be too busy to miss me.”

  Cheri laughed, loud and happy. “You’re probably right.”

  She linked arms and walked me to the elevator. “How’d I do?” she whispered.

  “Perfect. See you at home.”

  “I’ll be leaving here around six.”

  “The pork chops will be soaking in sauce and ready to grill.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  I hid out in Cheri’s house the entire day and night. It felt like a police stakeout, something I hated more than handing out parking tickets. The time went slowly without incident. No late night phone call. No threatening emails. I began to think Jimmy might have been right. Cheri had made up a crisis to get attention.

  When Cheri came home the next evening at seven, I was going stir crazy.

  “Will you be okay if I go for a jog before dinner?” I asked.

  “Go ahead. I’m going to have a shower. Then I’ll pour a glass of wine and work until you get home. What smells so good?”

  “I’ve made a lamb stew in the slow cooker. It will be ready when we want to eat.”

  “I had a late lunch with Jimmy and Evan. I’m not hungry yet.” She smiled. “They’re moving back home on Saturday.”

  “That’s two days from now. That’s quick.”

  “I told Jimmy I wouldn’t work as many hours. We have three new lawyers so my workload is lifting. And I promised to take a family holiday now that my promotion is final.”

  “Did you tell him I’m still here?”

  Cheri shook her head. “I haven’t told anybody.”

  “I’ll book my flight when I get back from my run. I’ll catch a flight Saturday morning.”

  Cheri took off her suit jacket. She dropped it on the back of a chair. “Did Dad tell you anything about his health?”

  “No. Is something going on?”

  “He’ll be angry if I say anything.” She started walking out of the kitchen. She unbuttoned her shirt as she went. I followed her down the hall into her bedroom.

  “You can’t just say something like that and leave me hanging. Is Dad sick?”

  “The doctors are running tests. Nothing is certain yet.”

  My heart felt like it was being squeezed. “He never said anything about not feeling well.”

  “You know Dad—a soldier to the end. He really will be angry if he knows I told you anything.”

  “Well, thanks . . . I think.”

  I left Cheri and went into the spare bedroom. I pulled on some shorts, a T-shirt, and a hoodie, then tied up my runners. At the last minute, I grabbed a baseball cap and tucked my hair up underneath. I pulled the hood over top. Darkness was setting in. Still, I wanted to make sure nobody could recognize me. Pretending Cheri was living alone probably didn’t matter. But I’d give my plan two more nights.

  “I’ll lock the back door,” I called to Cheri. She was just getting into the shower. “Back in about an hour.”

  “Take your time,” she called.

  I stepped onto the deck and locked the back door. Already the air was cooling down. A breeze had blown in clouds from the west. I looked into the sky and sniffed the air. Rain was coming but a ways off yet. I should have lots of time to get in my run.

  I stretched on the lawn in the shadows. I slipped out the side gate and ran down Maple Street, past the park toward Prince of Wales Drive. Manotick was a growing town trying to hang on to its village charm. I followed the side streets at a slow pace, taking time to look at yards and late- summer gardens. Old oak and maple trees lined the roads. Hardly any cars passed me and I enjoyed the silence. A cool wind pushed me along, making the jog easy. My body felt lighter just being outdoors in the fresh air.

  I used to run marathons and work out in the gym. After leaving Ottawa, I stopped running and working out. I stopped just about everything, including keeping in contact with my family and friends.

  My father had always seemed like a rock. I wasn’t sure how I felt hearing that he might be sick. The idea that he might even die was too much to swallow. I picked up my pace.

  A man walking his collie came toward me. I’d never seen him before and nodded as we passed each other. Another block further on, I checked my watch. I’d been running just over half an
hour. The shadows had been replaced by complete darkness. I took the next street back toward Cheri’s house. I’d left her alone long enough.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  I didn’t notice anything out of order . . . at first. I took a few minutes in the backyard to stretch. I could see through the patio doors into the kitchen. Cheri wasn’t sitting at the table but a file was open. An empty wine glass sat next to it.

  I climbed the steps and took out my key. The door was still locked. I opened the door and stepped inside. The house was quiet and still. I figured that Cheri must have gone for a nap and shut the door as quietly as I could. I slipped off my runners and padded over to the sink for a drink of water. Halfway to the sink, I stopped and looked over at the table. Something was out of place.

  A second wine glass sat on the table. From the angle I’d looked in through the window, the glass had been hidden behind a vase of purple coneflowers. The glass was half filled with white wine.

  Cheri hadn’t said that company was coming over. I pictured the road in front of her house and the driveway. The only parked car was Cheri’s. So two questions: who had dropped by and why hadn’t they finished their wine?

  I turned back to the sink but something else caught my attention: a folded sheet of white paper with Jimmy’s name on the top. I hesitated. If Cheri hadn’t shown such bad judgement lately, I wouldn’t have even thought about reading it. But these were crazy times.

  I moved closer and picked up the paper. I held it for a few moments, then flicked it open. My eyes skimmed the typewritten words with a signature written in pen. I stopped and read it again more slowly.

  Jimmy,

  I’m so sorry for what I am about to do. I’ve been depressed since you and Evan moved out. Life will never be the same, even if you both move home. I can’t stop thinking about you with Hannah Jones. I didn’t mean to do it. Please forgive me for everything. You and Evan are better off without me.

  I will love you always,

  Cheri

  It was my sister’s signature all right. However, the message was crazy. She hadn’t been depressed an hour ago. In fact, she’d been excited about Jimmy and Evan moving home. She also seemed to be saying in the note that she’d killed Hannah Jones over her affair with Jimmy. At one point, Cheri had thought Jimmy might be having an affair with someone at his work. If she’d suspected Hannah, she would have told me. I hadn’t told Cheri about Hannah’s visit to Jimmy before the hit and run . . . or after. Plus, Cheri’s car had not hit Hannah. Details.